CLASSES and WORKSHOPS
BINGE WRITING (AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT)
Whether you were on an incredibly tight deadline or you just wanted to challenge yourself, chances are you’ve at least attempted to binge-write a book. How do you write something this quickly? How do you know what you need to do before you write (even if you don’t outline), how to know when to stop writing, and what to look for as you edit so that you, too, can write and edit an entire novel in a month?
HOW TO KEEP READERS TURNING PAGES
Suspense is necessary for reader engagement, no matter what genre you write in. What makes something suspenseful, and how do you do that in everything you write?
BLOGGING, VLOGGING, AND BECOMING A BRAND
Platform. Platform. Platform. By this point we’re all tired of hearing about it. But what does it mean? How do you go about building one that works? What does it mean to have a personal brand? In this age of the internet, how do you let people get to know you without being available 24/7? This is where blogs and vlogs (video blogs) come into play. In this class I look into how to create a simple yet professional brand for your platform so that you’ll be both well-known and well-liked as you go into the query trenches.
MOVES AND
COUNTER MOVES
Every plot has many moving pieces, and every piece affects all the others. When one piece isn’t pulling its weight, the story suffers. In this class I look at how antagonists can help beat writer’s block and create a solid plot that will both intrigue and enthrall.
A WORTHY OPPONENT
Every good hero needs an equally evil villain. But how do you create a villain well suited to oppose your hero? In this class I cover different types of villains, different types of motives, and how villains and heroes can be best when they’re two sides of the same coin.
INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE
They say nothing bad ever happens to a writer, everything can be used as research or inspiration. How do you find that inspiration in the good and the bad of life?
DISCOVERING
YOUR VOICE
"Find your voice." Ah, but what is a writer's voice? Why should you write the piece instead of someone else? Why should you write anything at all? Most importantly, how do you determine your niche and create a tone that works professionally, casually, and everywhere in between?
CONDITIONED
TO WRITE
Most of us are familiar with Pavlov and his dogs, the bell and the food. In my curiosity, I've learned quite about this classical conditioning. More importantly, I can teach you to classically condition yourself for writing.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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October 10, 2020
Literary Agent
What Agents Wish Writers Knew
Chicago ACFW meeting
September 12, 2020
Literary Agent
Keep the Readers Turning Pages
Colorado Writers Workshop, Teleconference
May 19, 2020
Literary Agent/Publishing Consultant
The Writing Community Podcast
March 28, 2020
Literary Agent/Panelist
KCWW, Teleconference
August 2, 2019
Discussion Group Leader
PWR Conference, Taylor University, Upland, IN
April 30, 2019
What is a Story?
Lutheran High School, Indianapolis, IN
April 30, 2019
Careers in Writing
Lutheran High School, Indianapolis, IN
April 24, 2019
What is a Story?
Heritage High School, Indianapolis, IN
April 24, 2019
Finding What to Write About
Heritage High School, Indianapolis, IN
April 6, 2019
Elements of Suspense
PWR Spring 2019 Retreat, Upland, IN
June 2, 2018
Short Story Reading: Charles and the Seeds
2018 Lewis and Friends Colloquium, Upland, IN
October 2017
Types of Villains
PWR Fall 2017 Retreat, Upland, IN
Previous Speaking Experience